Space solves

I have a Laz-Y-Boy three-piece suite with three-seater settee, all recliners. The suite is still in very good condition, but the pink Dralon upholstery is starting to look tired and faded having been (wet) cleaned several times over the years. I'm considering getting it reupholstered in leather, but have been told the cost would be prohibitive and that it would be cheaper to get a new suite. Any advice?

Before we come to cost, it should be pointed out that reupholstering is very positive in eco terms. There is nothing wrong with your suite, so why not keep it? After all, you know it fits, and you know what it's like to sit on.

Reupholstering generally comes in at the same price, or slightly cheaper, than buying new - depending, of course, on the quality of your existing suite and the cost of the replacement fabric. It has the advantage of allowing you to create a personalised look - you can go wild with your fabric and transform your living space without all the hassle of measuring up and trawling the shops in search of a replacement.

Rob Page, of Plumbs, a nationwide firm of upholsterers, says Laz-Y-Boy recliner chairs are more suited to reupholstery than to loose covers, and that his firm could do the job for around £499 a chair and £869 for a sofa. 'Our starting price of £499 a chair is about half the price of a new recliner chair from Laz-Y-Boy,' he says. 'The service includes replacement foam seat cushions and a full inspection of the furniture frame, with repairs where necessary. Any replacement springs would also be included in the price.' However, Plumbs (01772 901518, plumbsupholstery.co.uk) does not reupholster in leather, so this is a quote for fabric covering. To find a local upholsterer, contact the Association of Master Upholsterers & Soft Furnishers (01633 215454, upholsterers.co.uk).

Wanted: the right pink

I'm looking for a vibrant shade of fuchsia paint. Many ranges make a similar pink, but it is either too dull or on the purple side. The paint used in a shoot in your Gadgets guide (November 12 2005) seemed to come close, but where can I find it? I'm also looking for an affordable fuchsia rug, ideally plain and made of wool.

I recently had a new bathroom installed, with a wall-hung loo. The installers used marine ply to box in the frame and cistern. I'm considering covering them with a dark wood veneer such as wenge (to match the bath base). Where can I find suitable veneer and wood? Will the veneer be OK in a bathroom?

Ronan Tod, DIY expert at Wickes, says, 'Veneer on marine ply will be fine in a bathroom provided it's properly sealed all the way round so moisture cannot get at it from the room or from the cistern itself. The type of seal will depend to some extent on the type of veneer you use, but for most non-oily timbers a polyurethane varnish is ideal. You'll need to be guided by the supplier of the veneer. To find a veneer like wenge, go online and do a search for wood veneers. Wenge is a dark brown timber from central Africa and is not very common in the UK, so you may have to compromise. A clear, self-adhesive film on the underside of the cover will ensure the ply is not affected by moisture from the cistern. By planning, taking care and not rushing the job, it should be something you can tackle.'

You respond

Thanks to David Somerfield for his low-cost, sensible, do-able advice on sealing gaps in floorboards (January 7). I recently bought a Victorian terrace house and the previous owners had stripped and varnished the floorboards, but there are many draughty gaps and I was beginning to consider fitted carpets. The sealant is the most sensible option I have come across, and I will certainly be trying it.Barbara Penfold Luton

To the person suffering from slippery slate steps (January 7), I recommend a company called Heskins (01254 832266, heskins.com), which makes an excellent nonslip adhesive tape in a wide range of colours, including clear. We used it very successfully on slippy travertine around a swimming pool. It is easy to use and reasonably priced, and the firm are very helpful and efficient.Tess Collerton Newcastle upon Tyne

· Send us your questions - all those niggling interior, property or shopping-related conundrums - and we'll do our best to answer them. If you have a top tip or a fabulous find relating to your home, please share it with other readers. Write to Space, Guardian Weekend, 119 Farringdon Road, London EC1R 3ER (space@theguardian.com).

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